Should You Visit Florianopolis?

Is Florianopolis worth visiting?

Yes, Florianopolis is absolutely a city that any traveler should visit. During our time here, we had so much fun.

Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing beaches and fantastic food.

Florianópolis is the capital city of Santa Catarina, which is predominantly an island state. The area is filled with beautiful beaches and resort areas which are popular with tourists. The city has many great restaurants and wonderful outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy.

Florianopolis, Brazil Florianopolis, Brazil

9 Reasons to Visit Florianopolis

1. Beaches

There are miles of beautiful beaches that are popular for surfing. Joaquina Beach is one of the most popular beaches, particularly with surfers, but Mole Beach is quickly catching up in popularity. Campeche Beach is one of the widest and longest stretches of beach on the island.

2. Food

Perhaps the most popular local dish is feijoada, which is a stew that's slow cooked in a clay pot. It's a great dish for sharing and it originated in the region's African slave population. Another common food is pão de queijo, which is a dough that is made from cassava root flour. Also make sure you try the seafood, which is available in many restaurants around town.

3. Nightlife

The nightlife scene can vary between peak tourism times and the low season. There are plenty of bars around town that cater to the locals, and you can expect these to be open year round. Alternatively, there are also places that specifically open during the summer months and will close during the off season.

4. Resorts

You'll find a wide range of resorts that include everything from 5 star to more budget-friendly. There are also all-inclusive resorts and smaller, more personal places.

5. Hiking

The island is filled with beautiful jungles, striking beaches, and many dramatic settings that make it a great place to hike. The hikes also vary in length and skill level, so there really is something for everyone.

6. Museums and Attractions

There are a number of science and cultural museums in the area that will introduce you to the region's local wildlife and history.

7. Shopping

You'll find shopping malls and boutique retail shops that make for a great shopping experience.

8. The Costs

Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Florianopolis might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Florianopolis here or see if Florianopolis is expensive here.

9. Authenticity

Florianopolis has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.




Is Florianopolis worth visiting in the Summer?

The weather in Florianopolis is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 25°C (76°F). But it can get as warm as 28°C (82°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

The peak season for travel is summer in Florianopolis, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.

Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, discover the nearby hiking trails, and browse the museums. Also, you can check out the beautiful resorts and the nightlife.


Summer Weather in Florianopolis
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
February 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
March 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)

Is Florianopolis worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Florianopolis. Even though Florianopolis is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 22°C (71°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 25°C (78°F).

You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums and get out into nature.


Autumn Weather in Florianopolis
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
June 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)

Is Florianopolis worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Florianopolis. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).

During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the nightlife.


Winter Weather in Florianopolis
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
August 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in)
September 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)

Is Florianopolis worth visiting in the Spring?

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F).

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Florianopolis, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Florianopolis is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and enjoy the evening activities.


Spring Weather in Florianopolis
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
November 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
December 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Florianopolis

Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

Related

What is Florianopolis most famous for?

Florianopolis is most famous for its sandy beaches, world-class surfing, and beautiful nature. People visit this impressive city for its great beaches. It's also known for food, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. And many travelers come for the museums and attractions and shopping, as well. It is often described as relaxing, scenic, and vibrant.


What is the most famous sight in Florianopolis?

The most popular sight in Florianopolis is Praia Mole. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Florianopolis on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Praia Mole and other attractions here.

How touristy is Florianopolis? Is it a popular city to visit?

Florianopolis is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)


  • Florianopolis Walking Tour - History, Art and Gastronomy: $17
  • Florianopolis Bike Tour: Photography, History & Street Food: $87
  • The best Florianópolis Private Day Tour: $154
  • Cinematic Kayak Tour: The Best of Florianópolis: $59
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $40
  • Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $73
  • Rafting Adventure in Apuama - Rio Cubatão in Greater Florianópolis: $35
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure: $58

How long should I spend in Florianopolis?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Florianopolis is three to four days. Since Florianopolis has a variety of activities such as beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Florianopolis?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Florianopolis?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Florianopolis?.

For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Brazil and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.

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